Eight Rockets will Represent the Okanagan at BCMML All-Star Game

12/19/12 01:02:pm

The Okanagan Rockets are proud to announce that eight members of the organization have been selected to the BC Major Midget League All-Star Game. The contest will be held on Friday January, 18th at the Lagley Events Centre.

Rockets head coach James Eccles has been named the coach of "Team Red", while general manager David Michaud had been named the manager of the event for the 2nd time in three seasons.

"Overall, our group is honoured to have such strong representation at this year's event" said general manager David Michaud. "It's always tough to see so many of our players who are certainly deserving of going and representing us not getting the nod. It's unfortunate, but the truth is that we feel we have 20 all-stars on the Rockets this year. The group that has received the nomination will proudly represent our program on behalf of our entire group."

Brenden Mills is in his 2nd year with the Rockets and is tied for 3rd in wins with 9 and has posted a 3.15 goals against average for the Rockets this season.

Alex Gran is a 3rd year veteran of the Rockets and will be making his 1st all-star game appearance. The 17 year old Kelowna native leads all BCMML defencemen in points with 28. With 98 games played in a Rockets uniform, Gran is already the all-time leader in games played for the club.

Joe Gatenby is in his 1st year with the Rockets and has made an immediate impact. Gatenby has 2 goals and 11 assists in his rookie year. Gatenby is a 2nd Round pick of the WHL's Kelowna Rockets.

Brenden Wagner is in his 2nd season with the Rockets and was named captain of the club in September. Wagner has set career highs in both goals (19) and points (39) already this season. Wagner has 60 points in 61 career games for the Rockets.

Brett Mennear is also in his 2nd season with the Rockets and has already surpassed his totals from a season ago.. Mennear is 3rd in Rockets scoring and 7th in league scoring with 15 goals and 23 assists for 38 points in 24 games. Mennear, a Portland Winterhawks prospect, now has 72 points in just 63 BCMML games.

Josh Blanchard is in his 1st season with the Rockets and has made a seamless transition from the Tier 1 Jr. Rockets. Blanchard is tied for the lead league in goals with 24 and ranks 2nd in the league with 45 points in just 24 games. Blanchard recently was listed by the Everett Silvertips of the WHL, and made his Jr. A debut with the Penticton Vees this month.

Head Coach James Eccles will make his 1st appearance as a head coach at the event after being an assistant last season. Eccles is in his 2nd year with the Rockets and has posted a career record of 38-14-12, good for a .688 winning %.